Shropshire campaigners object to 'flawed' solar farm bid
A group of residents living close to a planned giant solar farm in the Shropshire countryside today warned they will consider launching a judicial review if the "flawed" scheme is given the go-ahead later this week.
Four couples living near the site on the outskirts of Condover near Shrewsbury have jointly sent a letter to Shropshire Council's central planning committee before they make a decision on the site on Thursday afternoon.
Monmouth firm Solar Building Company wants to create a 35,000-panel solar farm covering nearly 61 acres, with the potential to power 3,000 homes.
A report sent to councillors by the authority's planning team has recommended they give the proposals the go-ahead.
But the residents have raised a series of concerns about the consultation process and said they believe the site is "unsuitable" for its planned purpose, citing potential issues with noise, landscaping and possible flood risks.
The letter claimed there has been a lack of site notices about the plans, with a "lack of consultation" with the community. It added changes to the timetable for public comments had also affected the public reaction to the scheme.
"The whole process has been flawed. Because of the changing, uncertain timetable the residents have been denied the opportunity to research the missing facts," it said.
"Given time to explain the issues to the rest of the community, it is likely that there would have been more objections. Had the required site notices been erected it is likely more of the public affected would have become involved in the process. Again the lack of time allowed initially and the reluctance of the planning officer to allow more time has denied these opportunities.
"The residents are left with the feeling that they have been disenfranchised and must consider a judicial review."
If the scheme is approved, construction is expected to take about four months, with the site due to be in operation for 25 years.
As part of suggested conditions for approval, the developer is being asked to install solar panel systems worth £50,000 with a total energy value of 45kW on local properties and public buildings.
No-one from Solar Building Company was available for comment today.
But James Cook, from agent Stratus Environmental, said: "We have done work to take on board comments made by local residents. I think it is the case we have done what we can and we will see what the decision is on Thursday."
